Kelly Talks About Training Chief

Post from PeoplePets.com

Kelly Bensimon: Big Dogs Come with Big ResponsibilitiesDogs, Celebrities

Training a new dog requires a lot of time and effort, and no one knows that better than Kelly Bensimon. The Real Housewives of New York City star, who adopted a 3-month-old Lab mix named Chief from Manhattan's Animal Haven in May, is in the process of teaching her pup the lay of the land — and it hasn't been easy.

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"She's very vivacious, and she's very interested in … leaves, other dogs," Bensimon told PEOPLE on Sunday at the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Chicago. "Training has been challenging."

Not to say that it's been impossible. With the help of her daughters, 12-year-old Sea and 10-year-old Teddy, she's been teaching Chief to sit, stay and heel. "It's been a good learning experience for them," she said. "We sat down and talked about how this is a huge responsibility. We already have two other dogs, but this is a big dog, and big dogs come with big responsibilities."

They also come with big appetites for love, too! "They need a lot of attention, and I think one of the great things about training them is that you're giving them … a lot of love when they do something good," she explained. "It's definitely translated into other parts of my life."

And though all the Bensimon ladies have puppy training on the brain, they're also having fun with their new pooch, too. "She's so funny," Bensimon said. "She thinks she's little, but she's this big Labrador around two small dogs, so she tries to hide under chairs and couches, and she physically can't do that. She has no idea of her size, which is hilarious."

But her looks? Well let's just say she takes after her model mama. Boasted Bensimon, "She's the most beautiful dog I have ever seen."

Kate Hogan with reporting by Kim Peiffer